| Beta Omicron | |
|---|---|
| BO | |
 | |
| Founded | May 11, 1904 |
| College | Tulane University, formerly H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College of Tulane University |
| Location | New Orleans, LA |
| Homepage | http://www.kappa.org |
| Media related to Beta Omicron Chapter | |
Tulane University (formerly Newcomb College of Tulane University) established in 1886, New Orleans, Louisiana
Beta Omicron founded May 11, 1904 - 13 charter members
2,547 initiates (as of 2011)
Some of Beta Omicron's Outstanding Alumnae:
Fraternity Council Officers;
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Agnes Guthrie Favrot, 1966, longtime chapter adviser and former Fraternity Rose McGill Fund Chairman
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award recipients: Elizabeth Aldrich Bridgeman, 1962, recognized for her work in petroleum technology Mary Seago Brooke, 1964, outstanding contributions in social work and mental health Ginnie Johansen Johnson, 1986, entrepreneur, artist
The Early Years
The story of how Beta Omicron began has two versions—one in the 1930 History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and this one, told by charter members (as written in the History of Kappa Kappa Gamma, 1870–1976).
Pi Beta Phi was well established on the Sophie Newcomb campus. At a party in 1902, a Pi Phi’s brother, dressed as a girl, had the audacity to kiss one of the pledges. Her father made her break her pledge, so she gathered some friends together to form a new group. After consultation with prominent New Orleanians, Kappa was petitioned; and the group was turned down. Allegedly, the reason given was that well-bred southern girls did not go to college, but had governesses and tutors in their homes. So back went another petition. This time an officer was sent to look over the group. Sponsors and families did all they could do to entertain and impress, yet the group was rejected again. No one could believe it. This time the reason was that they were too social-minded. Yet they continued to want to be a part of the “best Fraternity.” They tried once more, and this time they were accepted.
On May 11, 1904, 13 young women became charter members of Beta Omicron, with one initiate and one pledge.
At first, the chapter members were mostly New Orleans girls, but as the college grew, more out-of-town girls were pledged. During those early years, the alumnae worked tirelessly One charter member in particular was especially generous, inviting the chapter and rushees for weekends in her Gulf Coast home, supplying much of the wherewithal for chapter room furnishings, taking care of other expenses, and giving of her love and interest. Several charter members continued to take an interest in “their” chapter. It was a treat to have any one of them attend a Kappa function and show the actives what a vital force Kappa was in their lives.
From 1904 through the 1970s, a number of Beta Omicron members appeared in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, in Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. There have been class and student body presidents and officers, dormitory officers, honor society members, homecoming queens and more. Two seniors received the coveted 1909 prize for most outstanding girl on campus all four years of their college careers, and three were awarded Woodrow Wilson Scholarships. Many members have taken their junior year abroad.
Housing
When the Newcomb campus moved from Washington Avenue in 1918, the Kappas were without a chapter room. Until two rooms were rented above the Newcomb tea room in 1930, the chapter used a garage or a room in a member’s home. In 1945, these rooms were lost, and an attic space above them was rented, only to be condemned by the fire marshal. He agreed to let the space be used if a hole were cut through to the second floor and a ladder was placed through the hole; and, if an alumna, with a flashlight to guide the members to the ladder, would be present at all gatherings. In 1953, a house on Freret Street was acquired with the aid of alumnae and the Fraternity. Newcomb didn’t allow girls to live in a sorority house but the house could be used for meetings and parties.
The chapter had tried to acquire a property at 1033 Audubon Street at the time the Freret Street house was purchased. Later, it became available and was bought. The Fraternity architect and the finance adviser helped make it a perfect lodge, with a house mother’s apartment and two rooms to rent for income. Although the work was not finished in the house, and there were torrential rains and an influenza epidemic when rush started, a quota of 26 was pledged. The chapter still used 1033 Audubon today.
Traditions and Changes
For years, Newcomb had barely tolerated the sorority groups. Beta Omicron often had thought their time was up but somehow the chapter managed to remain, to function and to be of value. Panhellenic seems to change rules yearly, with rush coming at different times. At one time, chapters could bid as many as they pleased. Then the preferential system was installed and a quota was added. With something like 150 recommended girls and a small quota, it often became hard to explain to alumnae that all those recommended could not be bid. House parties to discuss rush plans were held at members’ summer homes and later in hotels. There, recommendations were studied and evaluated, rush skits planned, decorations made and songs practiced.
In 1948, the Mothers Club was formed. Also, a weekly luncheon was inaugurated at the house, at first for Kappas only. Later, friends from other groups were included. Sometimes, as many as 200 young folks would be fed a free meal on Tuesdays.
At one time, in 1951, the Fraternity deemed Beta Omicron so lacking in efficiency and Kappa spirit that, short of probation, a steering committee was made up, with advisers given authority to require action from chapter officers. It was a valuable experience. The Monmouth Duo with longtime rival Pi Beta Phi was held annually. It has been canceled several times to save money for the house fund, and also during wartime.
Margaret Ann Gill, a beloved active, was killed in an automobile accident in 1955. Each year since then the chapter has given a silver tray to the outstanding junior in her memory. The chapter philanthropy varies with the interest of the group: rolling Red Cross bandages, or working at the Fink House for elderly ladies, the Crippled Children’s Hospital, the Kingsley House, and others organizations. An annual Christmas party for underprivileged children is given with one of the men’s fraternities.
The chapter started a cultural program of talks and displays of art at the chapter house in 1965. The whole college is invited. For this program, Beta Omicron received an honorable mention at the following General Convention. Foreign students are entertained every year in an effort to get to know them better and help them feel at home.
At Beta Omicron’s 50th-year celebration in 1954, seven charter members and six of their Kappa daughters were present. A tableau was presented, representing the 13 charter members, with actives dressed in the clothes of 1904. Pictures, torn from old albums and flashed on a screen, were part of the program.
Chapter prized possessions include candlesticks; a punch ladle; a silver bowl in memory of two charter members, Adele Ford and Florence Ford (Weeks); silver candlestick from the Shreveport alumnae in memory of Beta Omicron’s second pledge, Irene Drake; a fleur-de-lis tray, a serving tray, and Mothers Club gifts. The chapter has been given at least five key badges to be worn by special chapter members.
Yet, traditions seemed to be going out of style. Once it was customary at the banquet for all engaged girls to run around the table, and each fiancé had to send a five-pound box of candy to the chapter. That has gone, as has the Fleur-de-Lis Book, always on display and read at banquets, with serious and funny articles written by actives. In 1966, a new tradition was started. A party is given for all actives, engaged, pinned or dropped. (Dropped meant that a girl had been given a pendant of her initials by her boyfriend.)
At the 1966 Convention, Beta Omicron received honorable mention for unhoused chapters, for improvement in efficiency and for gracious living. Beta Omicron has also received honorable mention for scholarship improvement.
Since New Orleans is such a Mardi Gras-conscious city, some mention must be made of Kappa queens and maids of Carnival balls. There had been about 80 Carnival organizations or balls, each having its own queen and maids. The highest honor was the Queen of Carnival, for the Rex Ball. Since 1930, at least seven Beta Omicrons have been so honored.
Alumnae
Active-alumna relationships are excellent. Advisers are interested and are proud of the chapter. In the fall of 1970, the chapter was helped by Patricia Ann Nealon, a Graduate Counselor. In 1971, the chapter decided that it was mature enough to handle house matters without a house mother. Permission was given, and there were no major problems.
One of the outstanding members of Beta Omicron is Agnes Guthrie Favrot, longtime chapter adviser and former Fraternity Rose McGill Fund Chairman. “I do believe,” she says, “I know as much about our chapter, or more, than any other single person. And I am very proud of being a Kappa.” “Aunt Aggie,” with four sons and no daughters, took the chapter into her heart and life. The Kappas, she said, filled a real need, and she does everything she can to make Beta Omicron a happy, successful chapter. Her portrait is one of the chapter’s prized possessions. She received the Loyalty Award in 1966.
At the time of the Fraternity’s Centennial Convention in 1970, when the financial goal for the Centennial scholarships had been nearly reached, it was Agnes Favrot who offered the balance and put the campaign over the top.
Two more outstanding members are Mary Seago Brooke, who received the Achievement Award in 1964 for her contribution in social work, and Elizabeth Aldrich Bridgeman, who received the Achievement Award in 1962 for her work in petroleum technology.
Of course, the turmoil on the campus, the modern day problems and the desire of the girls for more self-expression and freedom have made an impression and changed the chapter character somewhat. Many students began to feel that fraternities had no real place and served no good purpose. Many chose not to join, and a number resigned. But Kappa, with its tradition of promoting character, friendliness and studiousness, is coming through and is being reinstated in the lives of the students.
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
Highlights of the 1970s
“Building bridges” among sisters, greek organizations and the community was an ongoing trend and goal of the Beta Omicron chapter between the years of 1975–79. Social events with other sororities, such as “Chi O Party” and “Monmouth Duo Party” with Pi Beta Phi were successful attempts at closing gaps and unifying the Greek-letter community. The “Grub Party” with Louisiana State University Kappas is a prime example of a bridge built between two chapters. The members of Beta Omicron during this period also kept a close relationship with Kappa alumnae, having red beans and rice dinners and compiling a skit for alumnae on Founders Day.
There were no apparent challenges that the chapter faced during these years, besides the constant reminders of dues payments, “No dues, No formal!,” which seems to be a problem off and on through the years. Recruitment began in the fall semester, which made the search for the right girls much more challenging, since they did not have a whole fall semester to get to know them. However, this forced the chapter to prepare for Recruitment far in advance during the spring semester, starting as early as January. Also, the trend of social events with other Greek chapters and alumnae shows that they were able to reach their goal of “building bridges.”
A few notable sisterhood events during the years 1975–1979, were the Easter Egg Hunt for children at the Catholic Center and Christmas Brunch. The members of Beta Omicron spent these holidays together as sisters. The bond between them was incredibly strong and apparent in the recorded minutes and scrapbooks. They showed enthusiasm during Sigma Chi’s Derby Days competition and joy in their daily Kappa lifestyle. Kappa Kappa Gamma became a home to them, as it has for our chapter today.
Highlights of the 1980s Highlights (scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of the 1990s Highlights (scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Chapter Convention Awards:
A New Millennium- Highlights of 2000-2010
The Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma would like this year to be remembered as a time when the chapter came together to benefit the community. In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Beta Omicron worked on several community house-gutting projects. Also, the chapter came together once again for Kappa Kollection, a designer trunk show where the chapter raised $6,000 in one day for ovarian cancer research.
Tulane University has become a place of unity since Hurricane Katrina. The students and faculty take great pride in knowing that everyone who is here is here despite the negative effects of the hurricane. Also, the culture and history that is the city of New Orleans can be seen in all aspects of the campus like never before. Like Tulane University itself, the Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is unified in a way that only comes from experiencing the same hardships. The chapter is full of loyal, intelligent girls who are always willing to help each other and have fun. Along with these similarities, Beta Omicron prides itself on the diverse and unique talents and interests of its members.
Beta Omicron faced numerous challenges resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Building a sense of unity was easy after the storm, but dealing with the loss of members who could not return after the storm was difficult. Continuing with Recruitment after a semester away was also difficult. Not only did the house have one month to accomplish what usually takes an entire semester, but the smaller pool of potential new members made Recruitment intensely competitive. In January 2007, 37 exceptional young women joined the new member class, thanks in part to the hard work of the Membership Chairman and her assistant. Throughout the spring semester, Chapter Council worked to improve the chapter’s overall involvement and attitude.
Fall semester: The chapter teamed up with Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and participated in Greek Week. On October 15, the chapter celebrated Founders Day with some of our oldest alumnae. In November, the chapter rallied behind the Philanthropy Chairman to put on the second Kappa Kollection, an event that raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Of the chapter’s many achievements of 2007, one of the greatest came in the area of scholarship. With the work and encouragement of the chapter Vice President of Academic Excellence, the chapter GPA rose to 3.39, the second-highest sorority GPA on campus.
Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of six NPC-recognized sororities at Tulane. In the 2007–08, nearly all active members were involved in other campus clubs, sports and organizations. As mentioned above, the Fall ’07 chapter GPA rose to 3.39, which was higher than the all-sorority, all-Greek, and all-women’s GPA. Scholarship was also highlighted in April, when five Kappas were inducted into the Order of Omega, and in the fall, when six Kappas were named to the Greek 4.0 Club.
This year the chapter worked diligently to place a continuous emphasis on the importance of scholarship. VP-Academic Excellence and her Scholarship Committee held a study skills workshop for New Members to promote organization and time-management, held weekly study hours for the entire chapter, and encouraged the chapter to provide support for those struggling with stress or anxiety. The positive attitude and ongoing encouragement of the Scholarship Committee is reflected in the chapter’s academic success.
This past year, Beta Omicron has really grown as a chapter, sharing many moments of laughter and getting through tough times together as sisters. On January 25th, 2009, the chapter welcomed a new member class full of enthusiastic, kind and generous women ready to indulge in the tradition and pass on the legacy. Although there were not as many social events spring semester, this was not seen as a damper to our chapter, rather more of an opportunity to grow.
The Kappa house became more of a home than ever, as Thursday lunches on the Kappa porch were bustling with joyful KKGs, the couches packed with girls studying for finals or laughing together while watching ridiculous television shows, and the pantry stocked for snacking any time of the day. Sisterhood events such as ice sundaes and water bottle decorating, Kappa T-shirt tie-dying, competitive laser tagging, and philanthropic pumpkin carvings were great opportunities for strengthening sisterly bonds.
Our sorority joined forces with Kappa Sigma for Greek Week (October 18-24), and although we did not have the greatest turnout, we definitely displayed the most spirit. On November 14, the Kappa house was transformed into a boutique for our fourth- annual Kappa Kollection, bringing in more than $3,000, which was donated to the St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit organization established in response to Hurricane Katrina.
In the beginning of 2009, our chapter struggled with several Panhellenic infractions after Bid Day, which caused some hesitation in having as many social functions as usual. However, the new member class was extremely patient as we worked through our challenges as a chapter. The whole experience made the chapter stronger, as we increased communication with the Fraternity and our advisers. Along with working to create a stronger relationship with the Fraternity officers, the chapter struggled to create a positive relationship with Panhellenic and Tulane, in general. The members’ involvement within the sorority and campus improved greatly, as we increased encouragement and incentives. The several sisterhood events greatly improved the unity within our chapter, as well. The chapter continues to emphasize involvement and public relations.
Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of seven NPC-recognized sororities on Tulane’s campus, with the recent addition of Phi Mu. However, our chapter does not go unnoticed, as the majority of our members are actively involved on campus through clubs, sports, or organizations—such as Up ’til Dawn (in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Tulane Emergency Medical Service, Peer Health Advocates, and Green Envy (a cappella group).
The women of Beta Omicron maintain a balanced lifestyle achieving an average GPA of 3.334 for Spring 2009—higher than the all sorority (3.329), all-Greek (3.147), all-women’s (3.115), and all-student (3.050) average at Tulane.
Beta Omicron began 2010 with a strong bond of sisterhood, culminating in a successful spring Recruitment period. We welcomed a new member class of 50 bright, charismatic and involved new members who quickly settled in to life at the Kappa house. The older girls really enjoyed getting to know and bond with the newest pledge class, with sisterhood events such as tie-dying tank-tops, laser tag and a visit to the haunted houses of New Orleans. In addition to these events, a line could be found winding out of the chapter room as girls came in for dinner on Monday nights before Chapter meeting, and lunch on Thursdays. Our social calendar took off at high speed with mixers and a disco-themed date function. Formal was a highlight of the year, downtown in the picturesque French Quarter.
The fall brought more bonding with various mixers, crush parties, the creation of an all-star flag football team and a new garden party with the Kappa alumna of New Orleans. Along with new parties, 1033 Audubon Street also received a new roof, and the chapter room was updated with a new coat of paint and floor. Kappa paired with Alpha Epsilon Pi during Greek Week, and performed a fully choreographed routine for the Greek Sync Competition. Even though we didn’t win, we had a full team of girls, which increased the participation of our chapter and our enthusiasm level for the rest of the semester.
Beta Omicron also raised the participation of the chapter in Philanthropy events to a new level, with the entire chapter participating in Habitat for Humanity, and working shifts at Kappa Kollection, which raised more than $11,000 for the St. Bernard Project. There was also a clothing drive at the same time, which collected clothing for the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. Even though home is on Audubon St., Beta Omicron participated in Beautify Broadway, helping clean up one of the main streets around Tulane’s campus. A literacy event that the chapter participated in at a local elementary school was named a RIF program of the month.
The majority of the chapter participated in several philanthropies each in the past year, which shows the increased level of involvement of Beta Omicron on campus and in the community. We also did a Halloween philanthropy called Owl-O-Ween with another sorority that shares the Kappa symbol of the owl, Chi Omega. We carved pumpkins and made Halloween cards for St. Anna’s Residence for the elderly. There has never been a better time to be a Kappa at Tulane.
Highlights of 2011-2019 (See Chapter History Report) Highlights (scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of 2020s
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Note to Chapter Registrar:
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!